Temps in hot hide

[Gunner253]

Does a hide change the temps on the hot side? I didn't have a hide in any of my tubs and the temp on the gun shows 90 and the probe 91-92. When I put hides on the hot sides the accurate probe now shows 93-94. I haven't checked with a gun yet but does the surface temp actually change that much with a hide or is it just the probe? The probe is glued to the bottom inside of the tubs under the paper towels

[anicatgirl]

Listen to your probe.

[bcr229]

The hide is probably pushing down on the paper towels which allows less air to circulate and carry heat away from the probe.

[Gunner253]

The hide is probably pushing down on the paper towels which allows less air to circulate and carry heat away from the probe.

That's what I was kinda thinking. I just don't see the actual temp going from 90 to 94 just bc a hide

[nightrainfalls]

In air, Heat rises, so if you put a hide in the hot side, the heat can no longer rise past the hide. The heat is concentrated over the heating element. The temp inside the hide will rise as long as the heating element puts out more heat than escapes the hide.

David

[Gunner253]

So should I lower the temp on the flexwatt? The surface temp is fine and I don't wanna lower it too much

[bcr229]

I would drop it until the probe settles in at 90-91*F. Any hotter and your BP may find it too warm for his liking in there.

[Gunner253]

Thanks everyone, I lowered the temp a bit so we'll see. They were still in their hides so I imagine it was ok but the perfectionist in me says no lol

[Gunner253]

Also the temp on my thermostat is now set too 88 and the temp gun is showing 88-90 but the probe is still showing 93. Should I lower the thermostat more? I just don't wanna lower the belly heat too much. What's the next step??

[bcr229]

I would leave it as is, 93*F isn't too hot for a ball python.